Only 386 Opposed CAB3” — Parliament Statistics Trigger Credibility Storm

By Staff Reporter

Tinashe Sambiri– Parliament’s presentation on the controversial Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill has triggered fresh outrage after lawmakers claimed that only 386 Zimbabweans opposed the proposed changes during public hearings across the country.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee chairperson Edison Zvobgo Junior delivered the presentation in Parliament on Wednesday, revealing figures that critics are likely to dismiss as unbelievable and politically manufactured.

According to the figures tabled before Parliament, a staggering 537,102 submissions were allegedly made in favour of the bill, while only 2,935 opposed it.
The committee claimed that out of 470,117 written submissions received, 469,040 supported the constitutional changes while only 1,077 were against them.

On public hearing submissions, Parliament claimed 67,302 Zimbabweans supported the bill, with just 386 opposed.

The emailed submissions produced slightly different figures, with 1,472 against the bill and 760 supporting it.

“TOTAL: 540,037 submissions. Total in favour: 537,102. Total against: 2,935,” Parliament announced.


The figures are already raising serious questions over the credibility and transparency of the consultation process, especially amid widespread criticism, public protests and growing opposition to CAB3 from activists, opposition figures and constitutional experts.

Critics argue that the statistics paint an unrealistic picture that appears designed to manufacture consent for a deeply contested constitutional amendment.

Many Zimbabweans have openly expressed concern over the proposed changes, with some accusing authorities of attempting to bulldoze the bill through Parliament while suppressing dissenting voices.

The revelation that only 386 people allegedly opposed the bill during public hearings is likely to intensify suspicions that the consultations were stage-managed to produce predetermined outcomes favourable to the ruling establishment.

The Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill has become one of the most divisive political issues in recent months, with opponents warning that it threatens constitutionalism and democratic accountability in Zimbabwe.